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Welcome to Little Kolkata

Welcome to Little Kolkata, a captivating culinary haven located in the heart of London. Here, the essence of authentic Bengali cuisine comes alive, transporting diners to the vibrant streets of Kolkata. The restaurant boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, accentuated by charming decor that includes earthen water jugs. Guests can explore a beautifully curated menu, featuring standout dishes like Illish Maacher Dim bhhaja and Kalighater Kosha Mangsho, each prepared with precision and care. With a strong focus on authenticity, Little Kolkata satisfies not just nostalgia for Bengali food aficionados but also intrigues those eager to explore new flavors. Join us for a delightful meal that truly embodies the spirit of Kolkata.

Little Kolkata: Reviews & Ratings

Sudarsana
Sudarsana

Me and my husband went to Little Kolkata for lunch yesterday. We received a very warm welcome and were given the choice of seating. The decor inside was very nice and the earthen water jugs and glasses definitely added to the charm. It is important to understand that this is not a regular Indian Restaurant or curry house. This place serves authentic Bengali Kolkata food and that means it's not Bangladeshi. Being from Kolkata I miss my city's cuisine but now I have found the perfect place to go to. My husband is from London and authenticity wasn't a factor for him but taste was and he has fallen in love with Little Kolkata. We have already booked for next week. We tried for starter the Illish Maacher Dim bhhaja, for mains I had Luchi and Kalighater Kosha Mangsho, my husband had Rice and Chilli Chicken, for dessert we had Kulfi Falooda and Misti doi. Every single item was cooked to perfection and made us overeat. Even after dessert I wanted to carry on ordering more food but I decided I couldn't possibly eat anymore. If you are a bong and miss your food then please visit Little Kolkata and if you are a lover of Indian food or simply like to try out various different cuisines then please visit Little Kolkata. There is something there for everyone's tastebuds.

Kenny Y
Kenny Y

Forget about Dishoom and the stupid long lines - food there is good but not worth the wait. Instead, come over to Little Kolkata. The first thing you'll notice is how Scandinavian-esque hip the decor looks. And once you start digging in, where half the menu is very vegetarian-friendly, you'll widen your eyes with each small dish and go "wow this place is really good!" Food is obviously cooked with very good technique and finesse, and almost all dishes are very well-balanced. I thoroughly enjoyed the food - seriously. They are heavy dishes, so don't be fooled by the small-looking portions. The only two things I will say are: the restaurant is still very new and therefore the service staff are still finding their feet. Service was, while endearing in intention, mostly quite clumsy and intrusive to the dining experience. The other is the decor. It's very hip, but kind of generic still...lacking some sort of punchy character.

Carl Dalton
Carl Dalton

We had brunch which was amazing - never had Indian Brunch before. There was plenty of variety and plenty of food (no one left hungry or dissatisfied) Three had bottomless procecco and four had bottomless Lassi. I found they were a little slow on providing the refills we'd ordered, which is disappointing as I like to get my money's worth when doing 'bottomless' HOWEVER the food and the service was #amazing and it definitely feels like a warm and welcoming restaurant - because of the staff. I would return for a visit and I would highly #recommend

Debi Bose
Debi Bose

Authentic food, excellent ethos and a wonderful atmosphere. Prabhir - owner - is an inspiration. Excited to visit every quarter to sample the new menu. The true spirit of Cal in London

Bipashyee Ghosh
Bipashyee Ghosh

Good food. Authentic Kolkatan/Bengali cuisine. Can improve on the quality of the desserts.

Biswajit Deb Das
Biswajit Deb Das

Great authentic Bengali food .must visit if you are in London. Loved the decor

Sarah Louise
Sarah Louise

We loved this place! My family celebrated my mum’s birthday here. The waiters were so kind, happy, accommodating and down to earth. We liked the relaxed vibe. The food was absolutely fantastic. I had the rose water and cashew chicken, but I also dipped into some of the other dishes around the table and they all tasted amazing. The flavour combinations were so unique. Top marks for service and food. I will definitely come here again.

Fauzia Ali Choudhury
Fauzia Ali Choudhury

We ordered 3 starters as we couldn’t decide: Fish roe, Chops and Doi chaat Mains was the goat and prawn curry with pilau and steamed rice Dessert we ordered falooda and brownies. (We also ordered masala tea And guava mocktail) Overall the food was authentic but average but the dishes that stood out for was the doi chaat, prawn curry and falooda. We’re more critical as Bengali cuisine is what we grew up eating. The 5 stars was for their service. We needed to catch a theatre show and our food came out super fast. The owner was friendly and warm. We would go back to try the rest of the menu especially with our 10% off.

Location

Welcome to Little Kolkata, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of London at 51-53 Shelton St, where authentic Bengali cuisine takes center stage. Step inside, and you'll be met with a warm ambiance, intricately adorned with earthen water jugs and glasses that evoke the essence of Kolkata. This isn’t just another Indian restaurant; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the vibrant flavors and culturally rich heritage of Bengal.

As Sudarsana beautifully articulated in her review, Little Kolkata captures the soul of Kolkata’s cuisine, distinguishing itself from the more commonplace Bangladeshi offerings. For those yearning for a taste of home or newcomers eager to explore, this eatery promises to deliver dishes bursting with flavor and authenticity.

Highlights of Little Kolkata:

  • Authentic Dishes: Each dish is meticulously prepared to reflect the traditional recipes of Kolkata. From the exquisite Illish Maacher Dim bhhaja (ilish fish fry) as a starter to the deeply satisfying Kalighater Kosha Mangsho (slow-cooked mutton curry), the menu is a celebration of expertly crafted Bengali classics.
  • Vegetarian Friendly: With a menu that caters to both carnivores and herbivores, Little Kolkata ensures that there’s something for everyone, much to the delight of patrons like Kenny Y, who praised the balance and finesse of the dishes.
  • Sweet Indulgences: Don’t miss out on the Misti Doi (sweet yogurt) and Kulfi Falooda, both perfect endings to a satisfying meal. While some reviews mention room for improvement in desserts, the overall flavors are sure to impress.
  • Warm Atmosphere: The warmth of the staff enhances the dining experience, making you feel right at home in this haven of Bengali culture. As Debi Bose noted, the ethos behind Little Kolkata resonates with its patrons, creating a welcoming space to enjoy every bite.

Although the restaurant is relatively new, some reviews reflect a desire for improved service efficiency. However, the overall experience at Little Kolkata is undoubtedly inviting, encouraging many, including Carl Dalton who enjoyed their brunch, to return for more.

In conclusion, Little Kolkata is not just a place to eat; it is a culinary adventure into the heart of Bengali gastronomy. Whether you’re a Kolkata native reminiscing about beloved flavors or an adventurous foodie eager to try something new, this vibrant eatery has something to satiate every conceivable palate. Plan your visit and prepare to indulge in the rich tapestry of Bengali culinary delights that await you!